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David Pearce

Chief Financial Officer, WSD
London Area, United Kingdom,United Kingdom
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David Pearce's Overview

Total Experience29 years
CompanyWSD
CountryUnited Kingdom

David Pearce is a British philosopher prominent in the transhumanist movement and a key figure advocating for the 'abolitionist project,' which aims to eliminate all forms of involuntary suffering in sentient life through advanced biotechnology. He is a negative utilitarian, believing the moral priority is to reduce suffering. Pearce co-founded the World Transhumanist Association (now Humanity+) and authored 'The Hedonistic Imperative' (1995), a foundational text in these fields. His work explores the ethical implications of using technology to reprogram predator-prey relationships, enhance mood, and ultimately engineer 'paradise' on Earth.

Professional Summary

David Pearce's work history includes a series of influential roles in various companies. Here is a detailed list of his professional journey:

WSD - Chief Financial Officer (2022 to Present)
OPUS - Investor & Advisor (2025 to Present)
Kickstart Global - Member of the Advisory Board (2025 to Present)
House Of Unicorns - Investor (2025 to Present)
Founders Capital - Member & Investor (2024 to Present)
Pro Espresso Ltd - Non Executive Director (2024 to Present)
The British Robotics Seed Fund - Seed Investor (2016 to Present)
Laka - Seed Investor (2016 to Present)
Ample - Investor (2023 to Present)
Pavegen - Seed Investor (2017 to 2022)

Notable Achievements

Co-founder of World Transhumanist Association (now Humanity+)

Co-founded the World Transhumanist Association in 1998, a significant non-profit organization that advocates for the ethical use of technology to expand human capacities.

Author of 'The Hedonistic Imperative'

Authored the influential 1995 online manifesto 'The Hedonistic Imperative', which outlines his vision for a future free of suffering through advanced biotechnology and 'paradise engineering'.

Pioneer of the Abolitionist Project

A leading proponent and intellectual architect of the 'abolitionist project', an ethical and technological proposal to eradicate suffering in all sentient beings.

Proponent of Negative Utilitarianism

Articulated and defended a form of negative utilitarianism, emphasizing the moral urgency of alleviating suffering as the primary ethical concern.

Educational Background

Private Equity Programme

University of Oxford - Said Business School - Year 2016

Accountancy

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales - Year 1985

Executive Education Programme

Columbia Business School - Year 2007

Executive MBA Education Programme

University of Virginia Darden School of Business - Year 1998

MIT Fintech: Future Commerce, Fintech

Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Year 2016

BSc (Hons), Economics/Law

University of Plymouth - Year 1982

Buying Intent Signals for David Pearce

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance

Company Overview

WSD
Total employees350
HeadquartersItasca, Illinois
Founded1908

W.S. Darley & Co. (often referred to as Darley) is a leading global provider of firefighting equipment, emergency services apparatus, and related solutions. Founded in 1908 and still family-owned, Darley is dedicated to serving the world's first responder and tactical communities by offering a diverse range of high-quality products, including pumps, fire trucks, robotics, and specialized gear. They focus on innovation and customer service to meet the evolving needs of those who protect and serve, with a strong commitment to quality and reliability in critical situations.

WSD Funding Information
not applicable - Total Funding Raised
not applicable - Most recent funding amount
not applicable - Number of funding rounds
not applicable - Latest funding round
Lead Investors:
Family-owned and privately held

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